To seek Christ, Know Christ and Become Christ, each one for the sake of all

Safeguarding All God's FamilySafeguarding All God's Family

The goal of the Safeguarding All of God's Family program of the
Archdiocese of Milwaukee is to protect our children and all in the
church family from sexual abuse and related dangers.

All employees and anyone who works with children more than once a
semester or who chaperones a fieldtrip or an overnight must complete a criminal background check and participate in Safeguarding All
of God’s Family training. This is provided by St. Dominic’s numerous
times throughout the year. In addition, parish members may complete
training at another site. For a list of sites, as well as registration
information, please visit the
Archdiocese of Milwaukee's
Web site. There you will also
find valuable information about child sexual abuse, as well as our
Archdiocese’s response to child abuse.

In addition to the
background check and training requirement, all all employees and
anyone who works with children more than once a semester must read and
acknowledge two documents: First, read the parish policy, Safe Environment Commitment,
then sign the
Acknowledgement Form, and agree to comply with parish policies;
second, please read and sign the
Archdiocese of Milwaukee's Code of Ethical Standards.
This is to ensure that all children who are part of any activities
at St. Dominic Parish are safe.

Amy Whittenberger, director
of administrative services, along with
Debbie Caputo, administrative assistant for Lifelong Faith
Formation, administrate and oversee the implementation of this
program at St. Dominic’s. Please contact either
Amyor
Debbie 262-781-3480
with any questions.

A PRAYER FOR HEALING
Victims of Abuse
God of endless love,
ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son
to save us by the blood of his cross.
Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,
join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt
in body, mind, and spirit
by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear our cries as we agonize
over the harm done to our brothers and sisters.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers,
soothe restless hearts with hope,
steady shaken spirits with faith:
Show us the way to justice and wholeness,
enlightened by truth and enfolded in your mercy.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people’s wounds
and transform our brokenness.
Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace,
so that we may act with justice
and find peace in you.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen

Archdiocese of Milwaukee Clergy Sexual Abuse
Policy

GENERAL PRINCIPLE: There is a sacred
relationship, which exists between the Church and its members,
whether they be adult or child. Sexual abuse, sexual misconduct,
sexual assault, and/or sexual exploitation, when it occurs
within the context of the Church, creates a tragic reality which
misrepresents the Good News to those who have been victimized.
Each and every instance of sexual violation of those who are the
most vulnerable among us is a matter of the gravest concern and
calls for an organized Archdiocesan response that healing may
occur and the safety of the community be assured.

REPORTING ABUSE: Reports of sexual abuse of a minor
can be made to the Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response Services
Office at 414-725-2232. Individuals are also encouraged to take
their reports directly to civil authorities.

ASSISTANCE: Out of pastoral concern for the
victim/survivor of sexual abuse, referrals for assistance with
costs of therapy will be offered even prior to the conclusion of
any formal investigation and finding of fact.

REPORTING TO AUTHORITIES: Every report of sexual abuse
of a minor, regardless of when the offense occurred, will be
taken seriously. When the allegation is against a person who is
still alive, whether they are currently in ministry or not, all
reports will be handed over to the district attorney of the
county in which the offense took place. The Archdiocese commits
itself to a policy of cooperation with the civil officials who
are charged with handling these matters.

INVESTIGATIONS: If the civil authorities cannot
proceed with criminal action for any reason and the case is
returned to the Archdiocese, there will be a thorough
investigation of allegations using an established process which
includes an outside adjudicator. The cleric will be temporarily
removed from any ministry assignment while the investigation is
underway. The adjudicator will take whatever steps are needed to
arrive at a finding of fact in the case. The archdiocese commits
itself to full cooperation in this adjudicatory review process.

FINAL DISPOSITION: In every case, upon conviction,
plea of guilty, or determination by the outside adjudication
process that a cleric has sexually abused a minor, he will be
permanently removed from active ministry and divested of
authority to perform ministerial duties.